Portsmouth have become the latest club to put their skills to the test by taking on the Johnstone’s Paint Pot Challenge.
Andy Awford’s men, who are knocking on the door of the Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off places, took on the unique test of accuracy at their training ground.Nine players from the Pompey squad and first-team coach Alan McLoughlin attempted to chip the ball from the angle of the 18-yard box into a giant inflatable paint pot on the middle of the six-yard line.
They were joined by supporter Martin Lee, who won a competition by Johnstone’s Paint to be the club’s ‘11th man’ for the Challenge.
Ten points are awarded for a successful chip-in, with one point accumulated each time the paint pot is struck.
Jed Wallace, Craig Westcarr, Bradley Tarduck, Alex Wynter and Nigel Atangana all hit the paint pot for Portsmouth. But it was former Republic of Ireland international McLoughlin who stole the show by lofting the ball beautifully into the pot to score the maximum 10 points.
Pompey scored a total of 15 points, which puts them into the lead in the competition after Tranmere Rovers, the first team to take part in this season’s competition, scored seven.
Johnstone's Paint Pot Challenge - Standings
1. Portsmouth – 15 points
2. Tranmere Rovers – 7 points
Competition winner Martin, 49, was inches away from adding to his team’s total with his effort, but enjoyed taking part nonetheless.
Martin, who lives in Gosport, said: “I’ve been a Pomey fan since 1973 when my dad took me to Fratton Park to see us play Notts County.
“It was great to take part in the Paint Pot Challenge. I think with a few more attempts I might have got it in or at least hit the pot, but I’m pleased to see Pompey top of the table.”
Portsmouth boss Awford said: “We were delighted to take part in the Johnstone’s Paint Pot Challenge. It’s a tough challenge but a very fun one and the players who took part enjoyed it.
“I’m not at all surprised that Alan managed to get it in. He was a top player in his day and you never lose that touch. I wasn’t sure about the celebration, though!
“It’s given him a few bragging rights over the lads, so he’s enjoying that.”
Ben Wilde, brand and sponsorship manager for Johnstone’s Paint, said: ““Pompey have set a really good target that is going be tough to beat. In fact, there were a couple of very near misses so the total could even have been a bit more.
“We look forward to taking the challenge to training grounds around the country as the excitement of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy continues.”
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